21 Essential Phrases You’ll Need in Turkey

No one is expecting you to speak fluent Turkish when you’re visiting Turkey, but knowing a few words will help you connect with the locals and get around the country a bit easier. Check out our list of 21 essential phrases that every visitor to Turkey should be familiar with.

Greetings and Essentials

Merhaba (mehr-hah-bah) / Hello

Definitely one of the most useful words while you’re in Turkey, the first encounter with anyone begins with this word, and the fact that it’s so easy to pronounce is a plus.

When you get off the plane, you’ll probably come across this word in the airport and will continue to hear it often when people welcome you to their homes or stores. The proper response to this is Hoşbulbum (hosh-bul-dum), which roughly translates to “I feel welcomed.”

Günaydın (gew-nahy-duhn) / Good morning

This phrase is another great greeting that can be used when it’s morning and you want to be extra polite.

When you’re at a restaurant and want to pay up and go, you can use the previously mentioned phase to get your waiter’s attention, and then ask for the check.

Çok Pahalı (tshok pah-hah-lee) / Too expensive

You’ll often use this particular expression at the Grand Bazaar when you’re getting ready to haggle for the price; the next step would be to walk away until the seller gives you a more reasonable price.

Acıktım (ah-jig-teem) / I’m hungry

When it’s time for something to eat, you can tell everyone around you that your stomach is ready for some delicious Turkish food.